Welcome to my GoFundMe. My name is Nilus (He/Him) and I am creating this GoFundMe to afford my top surgery and top surgery recovery in the near future.

My social transition was in 2022. I started taking testosterone in 2023, and I am coming up on my second year in October. I was so happy to change my name and embrace my true self. I noticed improvement in my mental health and aspirations for my life.

It was such a benefit that I made such great friends and chosen family who have been emotionally supporting me along the way. The steps that I have taken in my gender journey have given me such euphoria and comfort. However, what causes me distress and discomfort is the dysphoria I feel associated with my chest. This has been a stressful blow to my self-image and has negatively impacted my life.

I am a freelance illustrator and a children’s book artist who has written a children’s book. My book, Aya and Kimiko Have a Sleepover, is a labor of love and teaches youth about languages and cultural differences. In the near future, I would like to get this book published and to the public. I look forward to writing more books like this in my artistic journey and getting them out to the masses as a queer artist. But first, I would like to take the necessary steps in my gender journey so that I may continue as my best self during my artistic career. I have met an abundance of creators and artists who have benefited greatly from gender affirming procedures and care. I also appreciate how it reflects in their self-image, confidence, and craft.

In addition to being an artist, I am also a drag king. Drag has been a catalyst for my love of artistic self-expression and makeup. It was also through drag that my own personal gender expression started to thrive. There is no limit to how much gratitude I have for the community of people who have supported me along the way.

It is uncomfortable for me to ask for help; however, I need this surgery to find unity with my body and self-image.

Donating to this GoFundMe has the potential to immensely change my life for the better. Any size donation is greatly appreciated. Your donation would help pay for medical copays, medical supplies necessary during the recovery period, travel costs to appointments, rent and living costs during the recovery period while I am unable to work on projects, and other needs during the recovery period while on bed rest. Thank you to anyone who contributes to helping me achieve this goal. I am incredibly grateful.